Introduction
As you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, there are many things that one is confused about. Whether it is something like the visa application process, flight bookings, accommodation and hotel bookings, or packing stuff for the trip. The issue regarding flight bookings, hotel bookings, transport, and restaurant recommendations can be easily resolved by consulting with the expert agents of the Islamic travel agency. They offer packages like Umrah packages from the UK, which cater to Muslims travelling for Umrah from the UK and have little to no knowledge of how to plan everything. The Islamic travel agency will guide you about the logistics and suggest the best deals according to your preferences.
Most people prefer to perform Umrah in the Holy month of Ramadan. This is the time when prices are high, and travelling or booking last-minute flights and accommodation on your own is probably impossible.
The one problem still stands tall, what to pack? The uncertainty of not knowing often leads to overpacking unnecessary items and forgetting the essentials, which might end up causing stress during the trip. This article mentions the step-by-step guide about the travel, prayer, clothing, health, and comfort essentials that are required during this sacred journey for pilgrimage.
Travel Essentials
The list of must-haves before you set off for the Umrah journey is mentioned below.
Passport and Visa documents
Your passport is the ID document that will prove your identification outside of your own country. Your passport will be collected upon arrival and will be returned at the time of your departure from the country, so you must keep all the visa documents ready and with you at all times.
Proof of Vaccination
A valid certification of COVID-19 and meningitis vaccination is a must-have while travelling to Saudi Arabia. Vaccination proof of polio and yellow fever might also be required, depending on the country that you are coming from.
Passport-Sized Photos
You must carry at least four extra photos, as they might be required for official processes during your trip.
Saudi Riyals
You must keep at least 500 SAR for the small expenses before you find convenient money exchange options.
Luggage and Baggage
Travelling light requires packing the essentials and avoiding clutter. It is also important to travel smart by using the right luggage and choice of bags. Here are some tips when choosing luggage for your trip.
- Always choose hard-shell suitcases, as they are sturdy and have a lock. They are definitely safer than the soft luggage.
- Suitcase locks and keys are recommended to prevent theft from happening.
- You can use personalized luggage tags so that you are able to identify your luggage easily.
- A backpack is a must-have, as it is going to aid you in carrying the daily essentials and can be carried easily during the pilgrimage.
Prayer Essentials
We are well aware of the fact that Umrah is a spiritual journey, so one must pack items that will keep you prepared for worship anywhere.
- The Pocket Quran is very convenient for personal recitation anywhere.
- A small dua book with all the duas from the Quran and Sunnah can be quite helpful.
- A personal dua list could be helpful, on which one can write all the duas for themselves, friends, and family.
- A digital counter will help with regular zikr.
- A prayer mat will aid in performing the prayer anywhere during the journey.
This is the time when Islamic travel agencies offer Ramadan Umrah packages to make it easy and affordable for people who are travelling in the month of Ramadan. They will offer the packages according to your budget and timeline and plan your route according to the places you want to visit.
Clothing and Accessories
Comfort matters when you are walking long distances and performing the extended prayers. Below is the list of things that you must carry while travelling in order to keep yourself comfortable.
- At least two extra Ihrams and Abayas must be carried along with pins or clips.
- Waist and neck pouches must be carried in order to save your valuable stuff from the pickpockets.
- An extra pair of sandals and walking shoes must be carried in your backpack so that if your shoes break mid-way, you’ll have an extra pair. Always keep a shoe bag with you so that it is easier for you to carry your shoes inside the mosque to avoid using them.
Toiletries and Hygiene Items
All the toiletries that are supposed to be used in Ihram must be fragrance-free. You may carry,
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Unscented soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant (fragrance-free)
- Sunblock
- Wet wipes
- Moisturiser and lip balm
- Nail clippers and small scissors
These are the most essential things that you must pack when going for Umrah. In addition to these, if there is any specific medication that you use or medications for temporary ailments that suit you, then you must carry them with you. Since Umrah is such a sacred journey, one must perform it with sincerity and careful planning so that no inconvenience takes place during this holy pilgrimage.
